Michael Blouin is a mad scientist, a poet who believes that tweaking words, like memories, can help make sense of a random world. His prose cocktails leave you with the sense that the earth has shifted yet wondering when the explosion happened. Blouin opens the Ottawa International Writer’s Festival April 27 at the Barley Mow at 7:30 pm. with a new narrative in Wore Down Trust that mixes musician Johnny Cash with poet Alden Nowlan.

What is your present state of mind?

More peaceful than it’s been in some time.

What is your biggest fault?

Selfishness.

Where is your ideal place to live?

Right here and right now.

When were you happiest?

I go back and forth between the births of my children and now.

Who is your favourite historical figure?

I have to expand this to the top three. Jesus. Johnny Cash. Miles Davis. Each took what was already there and moved it forward without compromise. We should all be so lucky.

What human quality do you most admire?

Active empathy.

What is the most over-rated human virtue?

Moderation.

Who is your favourite fictional character?

Myself. Or Leopold Bloom in Ulysses by James Joyce. Or Buddy Bolden in Coming Through Slaughter by Michael Ondaatje.

No, never mind, it’s myself.

What was your greatest misfortune?

Selfishness.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

“Don’t give up:”  Timothy Findley.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Most of what I do is an extravagance, so it’s quite hard to choose.

What is your favourite journey?

This one I’m on. It’s the only one I get.

What is your greatest regret?

You said short answers.

What talent would you most like to have?

I’d like to play the guitar. Really well.

What is your most treasured possession?

My 1998 Jeep Wrangler. If I could live in it I would. It is a love beyond reason.

What male quality do you most admire?

Strength.

What female quality do you most admire?

Strength.

What is your motto?

The clock is ticking.

Art has the potential…..?

To show us who we are.

What, if anything, scares you about the creative process?

Something that scares me so much that I refuse to acknowledge it.

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Thirteen days of prime Prairie creativity starts April 26 and unrolls at various locations around the city. For the full lineup of talent, see the  Prairie Scene’s Website.